Silicones and sealants are polymer-based pastes that are used to fill joints and create connections without the need for other compounds. They are developed from low molecular weight silicone rubber to fill gaps, seal and protect against various environmental factors, as well as to bond various surfaces. The insulation and sealing of joints and openings is a major problem in all existing and newly constructed buildings.
WHAT BASIC REQUIREMENTS DO SILICONES MEET?
Nowadays, much more than in the past, a variety of materials are used in construction - bricks, concrete, ceramic tiles, glass, various types of wood and wood panels, steel, PVC and other types of plastics, and many others. All of them have different degrees of contraction and expansion, which are due to the mechanical efforts applied in construction and whose values are quite significant under the influence of atmospheric influences: heat, cold, rain, ultraviolet rays, etc.
Sealants are designed to resist these movements and provide airtight seals. The main requirement for them is that they have good adhesion to the material on which they are applied, so that the substance against which the sealing is carried out does not penetrate between the building material and the sealant.
WHAT IS THE WIDE USE OF SILICONES DUE TO?
The combination of unique qualities in silicone sealants, which is not found in other previously known materials, makes them widely used in construction and finishing works. They can affect the degree of adhesion, impart hydrophobicity, retain their properties at extreme and rapidly changing temperatures. They are characterized by elasticity, durability, environmental friendliness and inertness to UV rays and mold. They have a variety of external and internal applications such as filling cracks and joints on facades, floors and roofs, as well as joints in glass elements and wet rooms. They provide leveling, insulation and reliable connections in a wide range of building materials. However, to cover these characteristics, silicones and sealants must be of proven quality, be suitable for the specific application and be applied according to the manufacturers' instructions.
Sealants can be based on different materials – silicone, acrylic, bitumen and polyurethane. As we have already emphasized, they solve many problems with insulating and sealing joints and openings in construction.
TYPES OF SILICONES
The most widespread among all types of silicones are acetate. After application, their hardening is accelerated by the acetic acid released from their composition, which simultaneously improves the connection of silicone with smooth substrates such as glass, enamel, porcelain, aluminum, etc. They have very high resistance to heat, UV rays, adverse external conditions and mold formation. They are used in wet and humid rooms, as well as outdoors. Manufacturers offer them in a wide range of colors.
Heat and oil resistant silicones are multipurpose acetate silicones that retain their elasticity at temperatures from -40°C to 300°C. They are intended for sealing and bonding elements exposed to very high or very low temperatures (stoves, central heating, air conditioners, oven plates, as well as automotive parts such as exhausts, gearboxes, etc.). Due to their high resistance to very high temperatures, some also call them “liquid gaskets”.
Silicones based on a neutral base are called neutral and are applied in places where the impact of aggressive materials that can disrupt the sealing is not expected. They have good resistance to UV rays and excellent adhesion to many porous and smooth materials.
SINGLE-COMPONENT SILICONES ARE USED MORE COMMONLY THAN TWO-COMPONENT SILICONES
In addition to the above types, silicones are also divided into one-component and two-component. One-component silicones harden from moisture in the air. They are the most commonly used silicones, but they harden in acceptable times only when applied in a layer of up to 12-15 mm. Two-component silicones harden under the action of catalysts when mixed with them. They are less commonly used, but their advantage is that they can work in any volume.
By purpose, silicones are construction, automotive and special, but this division is rather conditional. There are sanitary silicones for bathrooms, toilets and shower cabins, which usually contain a biocide to prevent the development of mold; heat-resistant; electrical insulation; low-modulus - for interpanel joints that absorb large deformations; universal, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF SILICONES
The advantage of silicones is their good adhesion to various materials and the long-term preservation of their qualities in aggressive environments. However, they also have some disadvantages, some of which are surmountable. As a limitation in their application, it can be stated that most types should not be applied to wet surfaces. In addition, pure sealants cannot be painted after application, but factory-tinted silicones have been developed that can be color-synchronized with other products from a system. There are also modified sealants that can be painted after application and drying, but they are not silicones. Another limitation is the weaker adhesion to plastics - polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, etc. The problem in such cases is solved with specialized professional silicone sealants or with the prior use of adhesion primers that increase the adhesion of the silicone to the base.
HOW IS SANITARY SILICONE APPLIED?
Sanitary silicone is applied in critical areas of the bathroom, in the corners, around the sink. It is not painted, but is available in different colors. It is used to seal joints between tiles and sanitary equipment, as well as in constantly wet areas.
Before applying, the areas around the joint should be covered with painter's tape. After applying, the sealant should be sprayed with soapy water and smoothed.
The masking tape is removed immediately after the joint has been formed. The silicone surface dries after about 15 minutes. Tools and dirty surfaces can be cleaned before the material has completely hardened.
MICROPROTECT FORMULA MAKES CERESIT CS 25 THREE TIMES MORE RESISTANT TO MOLD
The largest share in our sales list is given to CERESIT's CS25 sanitary silicone, so we will focus on it in more detail. The product is available in a series of 12 different color solutions - transparent, white, jasmine, Bahama beige, graphite, caramel, Manhattan, nature, gray, sienna, terra, chocolate.
CERESIT CS 25 is a sanitary silicone with the MicroProtect formula, which is resistant to mold, mildew and moisture, hot water and cleaning chemicals. It has durable colors that match the grouting mixtures of the same brand. It does not shrink, is resistant to UV rays and temperature extremes (from -40°C to +120°C). It is a sanitary silicone for all connection and expansion joints in wet and humid rooms (for example, joints between ceramic tiles in corners and in places where the wall joins the floor), where high resistance to mold and mildew is required. It is suitable for installing and sealing sanitary and kitchen equipment, for use indoors, outdoors and in constantly wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, shower cabins). It adheres excellently to ceramics, glass, enamel, tiles, polyacryl, etc. It is part of the CERESIT ceramic coating laying systems. Unlike ordinary grouts and sanitary silicones, materials with the MicroProtect logo prevent the adhesion and do not allow the development and reproduction of microorganisms. Joints filled with grouts and sanitary silicones with the MicroProtect formula have over three times higher resistance to the formation of mold and mildew deposits on them.
WHAT ELSE DO WE OFFER?
With us you can find a wide variety of different types of silicones: sanitary, universal, neutral, heat-resistant, oil-resistant, high-strength, for glass, for wood, for aquariums, in sticks. In addition to the characteristics, there are differences in the colors of the products and the volume of the cuts.
We also offer a chemical anchor, which is designed for anchoring studs in concrete, stone, masonry and in pressure zones. The anchor is used for fastening facade and wooden structures, railings, cabinets, fences, air conditioners, installation lines, boilers, etc.
As we have already mentioned, a large share of the offers in our nomenclature falls on the renowned CERESIT brand. A percentage advantage is also given to the high quality of QUILOSA. We also have products from PENOSIL, AKFIX, MOMENT, SIKA, etc.
The prices of silicones in our country are such that they act as an incentive to purchase.
